INTRODUCTION TO OIL TECHNIQUES
Oil Painting Classes BirminghamIntroduction to Oil Painting Class Birmingham
I’ve so often heard art students say how much they’d like to try oils, but don’t really know where to start, or feel too intimidated to try them.
The Intro to Oil Painting Techniques course, located in the beautiful surroundings of the Birmingham Midlands Institute, aims to gently introduce you to the materials used in oil painting and to show you how accessible and beautiful a medium it can be.
Once you try oils, you’ll never go back!
On the course itself I’ll get you familiar with using oil paints and mediums. I’ll show you how to make your own mounted canvas frames (canvas is notoriously expensive, so why not prepare your own?).
We’ll learn to prime your canvas for painting, how to do an underpainting in monochrome, and the technique of ‘fat over lean’.
I’ll show you how to lay out an organised palette, work with limited colours, lay down a tonal ground, glazing techniques, value studies, and of course the basics of colour mixing itself.
We’ll be setting up still life’s that are stimulating and contain drama. We’ll be looking at how to tackle a landscape, portraits, the benefits of studying a Master copy painting, and painting the figure using this most versatile of mediums.
The 10-week course will cost £250 in total (any returning students receive a discount), which can be paid in two instalments after confirming your place with a deposit of £100.
Unfortunately, I can only offer a maximum of 10 places for each class, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Although the course is suitable for students who have never previously tried oil painting, some basic knowledge or experience of painting, in general, would be beneficial.
All basic materials will be provided, including easels, brushes, palettes, and paints. Although a personal sketchbook is certainly not mandatory, I recommended it.
Oil Painting Course Dates
Wednesday evening 10 week course (18:30-21:00):
Start date- See booking page
End date- See booking page
Why use oil paint?– The main difference between oil and other painting mediums is drying time. Oil dries slowly, giving the artist plenty of time to mix colours. More time equals more control over your mixes. Oil is naturally glossy, so colours are more vibrant and vivid, even when dry. Whereas watercolour and acrylic look duller when dry.
Is oil painting complicated?– No. It’s the most forgiving medium of all, as you have lots of time to make corrections. I think one of the reasons that people have come to think of oil as complex comes from a time when the materials and mediums were scarcer.
Once upon a time artists had to source their own raw materials, go through the laborious process of grinding them down and turning this into a paste that would be used as paint.
Also, it’s not a water-based medium, so some people immediately shy away from it. The difference with oil is you substitute water for an oil medium, which thins the oil and makes it more fluid. Oil painting is not more complex than other painting techniques, it’s just that the possibilities of the medium are vast.
Is oil paint toxic?– In some regards it can be considered unsafe if you’re not using any common sense. Oil paint consists of oil and pigment combined. As long as it’s not swallowed, it is safe.
Again, the reputation for its toxicity comes predominantly from a time when some of the components of oil paint included lead, mercury, and sulphur! Safety issues stem mainly from the solvents used. However, the worst offender, turpentine, is not used in class.
Instead, I use a thinner called Zest-It, which is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and smells of citrus fruit. It is a great alternative to ‘turps’, and is used to thin paint, and to clean brushes at the end of the session.
What materials do I need?– All I ask is that you bring in an old rag to clean/wipe your brushes whilst painting. This is more of a practical issue than an absolute necessity. When you’re in the midst of a painting, it is beneficial to have a rag at hand to wipe off any excess paint. Otherwise you have to find tissue or kitchen towel which takes you out of the flow of painting and becomes too much of a distraction.
All other materials are provided, which include easels, boards, brushes, palettes, brush-holder tubs, paints, mediums, thinners, and paper.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I choose a class or workshop?
Easy! Just go to the 'Book an Art Class' section of the website and choose between the different types of course on offer and which day and time suits you best. It's a clear, step-by-step process from there. All courses are currently online via Zoom.
I’m a first-time art student ― what class should I take?
That all depends on what kind of materials you want to use. The Drawing and Painting Techniques course will introduce you to a number of different materials and approaches, which will include pencil, charcoal, pastel, acrylic, ink, and mixed media. You can go at your own pace and it is generally assumed that you are a beginner.
Whereas the Intro to Oil painting class focuses exclusively on painting with this beautiful medium, it is also certainly suitable for beginners as well.
The life drawing classes are suitable for anyone and are also held online via Zoom.
Is there a break during the class?
Although I often begin a class with a demonstration, especially if I'm introducing a new technique, students are free to make a hot drink at any time. There are no specific breaks, just go and help yourself! During the longer life drawing online Zoom classes I schedule a short break halfway during the art session.
How do I register?
You can register by going to the 'Book an Art Class' section of the website, choosing which course suits you best, and following the step-by-step instructions all the way through to payment. You will receive a confirmation email after you have booked.
Are materials included in tuition prices?
Indeed they are for all venue art classes. I supply almost all the art materials for these, however for the online Zoom art classes, students must source their own and a 20% discount applies. The only thing I ask students to bring in for the venue 'Drawing and Painting Techniques' class is an A3 drawing/painting pad.
As for the 'Intro to Oil Painting' course, I supply everything except I ask students to bring in an old rag so as to wipe your brushes while you paint.
What happens if I miss a class?
Where will the classes be held?
The venue itself is in the centre of Birmingham, just off Victoria Square, located in a stunning grade II listed building surrounded by beautiful Georgian architecture. The Birmingham and Midland Institute, is an institution concerned with the promotion of education and learning in Birmingham, England. One if its early presidents was Charles Dickens. Currently due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic all art classes are held online via Zoom.
How long are the courses?
The 'Intro to Oil Painting' course runs for 10 weeks consecutively. The Drawing and Painting Techniques course, in its entirety, will run for 12 weeks. The Life Drawing Classes also run for 12 weeks.
Is there Parking?
Metered parking is available around the BMI building on Margaret Street and Cornwall Street. Alternatively, car parks are available at the following locations:
Once I have completed the course can I book again?
How is each art class structured?
I usually begin a session with a demonstration of the new technique I will be introducing that day, followed by a warm up exercise for the students. Then students can explore the theme we are working on at their own pace.
I always provide plenty of feedback and individual tuition if needed.